Economy
February PMA Shows Continued Optimism
Written by Sandy Williams
February 26, 2020
Metalforming companies continue to be optimistic about the economy, according to the February 2020 Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) Business Conditions Report.
When asked to predict economic activity for the next three months, 30 percent of members surveyed said they expect an improvement, down from 32 percent in January. Only 10 percent expect a decline. The remainding 60 percent (up from 55 percent) anticipate no change in activity.
“Metalforming companies continue to show resiliency and remain optimistic that business conditions will improve,” said PMA President David Klotz. “It’s important to note, however, that this survey was taken prior to the impact to supply chains and business conditions caused by the spread of the coronavirus.”
More than half of metalformers expect an uptick in incoming orders in the next three months, while 17 percent predict a decline.
Current average daily shipping levels were higher in February than January.
Metalforming companies reporting workforce on short time or layoff, decreased a percentage point to 12 percent. A year ago, 6 percent of companies reported workers on short time or layoff.
Sandy Williams
Read more from Sandy WilliamsLatest in Economy
Steel Summit: ITR economist urges execs to prepare for growth, not recession
If the steel industry professionals who made it to the very final presentation of this year’s SMU Steel Summit were expecting another round of cautious forecasting, they were in for a surprise. Because what they got was a wake-up call.
ISM: Manufacturing growth remained down in August
US manufacturing activity remained muted in August despite a marginal gain from July's recent low, according to supply executives contributing to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)’s latest report.
Steel Summit: Dr. Basu blames tariffs for riskier path ahead
Steel executives packed the main conference hall of the 2025 SMU Steel Summit on Tuesday, Aug. 26, to hear economist Dr. Anirban Basu lay out his blunt view of tariffs, inflation, and demand.
Steel Summit: Schneider sees SDI ‘on the edge of a very good run’
Steel Dynamics Inc. (SDI) President and Chief Operating Officer, Barry Schneider, remains bullish about the Fort Wayne, Ind.-based steelmaker’s position in the current market.
US housing starts gain momentum in July
US housing starts rose in July both month-on-month and year-on-year, according to figures from the US Census Bureau.